Should I poke holes in potatoes before baking?
Yes, it’s necessary to poke holes in the potatoes to allow steam to escape while baking, preventing them from bursting in the oven.
Should baked potatoes be wrapped in foil?
No, wrapping potatoes in foil will make the skins soft instead of crispy. For the crispiest skins, bake the potatoes evenly spaced on a baking sheet or rack to allow for proper airflow.
How do I know when a baked potato is done?
Baked potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 210ºF on an instant-read thermometer.
Classic Baked Potato Toppings
These potatoes are delicious on their own, but you can always enhance them with your favorite toppings:
